Turquoise (Reconstituted)

Legend - About 4000 years ago Ancient Egyptians made a form of reconstituted turquoise. It differed from todays product as they didn't actually use turquoise. They used crushed quartz which was then dyed, glazed and heated - the presence of copper in the glaze would give a blue-green colour and the result is known as Egyptian Faience. Today, as Turquoise is a fairly soft stone, it is easy to grind it to a powder, add resins and dye and form into blocks. These blocks are then made into beads.

Properties - Supposed to be a stone of communication, making one more eloquent, loving, creative and honest. Also considered a stone of friendship.